International Programme in Addiction Studies MSc

Overview

The International Programme in Addiction Studies MSc course offers students cross‐cultural exposure to critical prevention and treatment practices, as well as research and policy issues in the field of addiction. This programme provides unique opportunities to study addiction in its broadest sense and examine key issues from an international perspective.

Key benefits

A unique programme that focuses on the similar international trends in policy, global epidemiology of substance-related morbidity and mortality, and evidence-based treatment and prevention practices.

Exclusive online access to lectures produced exclusively for the course by International experts in the addictions field.

Course members are considered students of all three universities concurrently with access to all online resources available from each of the partners.

You will receive personalised support from our dedicated module leaders throughout the course.

Course graduates will receive a triple-badge diploma jointly conferred by the three teaching institutions.

Entry requirements & how to apply

Students from outside the US must have qualified for an honours degree (level 2A or 1) or professional bachelor degree in an appropriate field of study at a recognised tertiary institution, or have a bachelor’s degree plus at least five years’ related professional work experience. US students should have completed a 4-year bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of study.

Students must have a high level of proficiency in English, demonstrated by completion of a university qualification study in the English language, or by meeting one of the following English language requirements: an IELTS score of 7.0, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper based) or 250 (computer based).

Students must have good academic references

Students must have access to reliable internet and be computer literate

Application procedure

The host institution is currently VCU and this is where applications are processed. Expression of interest and applications can be made on the VCU webpage http://www.ipas.vcu.edu/

Personal statement and supporting information

Please outline your relevant experience in the field.

Application closing date

The deadline for applications is 01 April 2016 for 2016 entry. Prior to this date all applications will be given equal consideration and considered on their individual merits. After this date and up to 01 July 2016 applications will be considered subject to the availability of places, thus we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier.

Course detail

Description

The International Programme in Addiction Studies MSc course is a unique collaboration of three of the world's leading research universities in the field of Addiction Science: The Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London, the University of Adelaide, and Virginia Commonwealth University. This partnership offers three nested graduate programme options available to graduates around the globe via distance learning. You will have access to the latest information on topics ranging from the biological basis of addiction and treatment as well as prevention and policy. The course will help you to compare global perspectives and translate this knowledge into more effective prevention and treatment practices and evidence‐based policies worldwide.

The course is made up of eight modules totalling 200 credits. If you are studying full-time, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. If you are studying part-time, your programme will take two years to finish.

Course format and assessment

Format

Pre-recorded lectures are audio-streamed within the Virtual Learning Environment and delivered online. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

Biological Basis of Addictions

Lectures (50 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (50 hours)

Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction

Lectures (50 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (50 hours)

Treatment of Addiction: Pharmacotherapies

Lectures (50 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (50 hours)

Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions

Lectures (50 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (50 hours)

Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues

Lectures (10 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (10 hours)

Addiction Policy

Lectures (50 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (50 hours)

Research Project in the Addictions

Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks. If you are studying part-time, you can expect to spend about 15-20 hours per week on coursework.

Course Assessment

The primary method of assessment for this course is based on participation in non-synchronous online discussions, written assignments and unseen examinations.

Locations

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme have taken leadership roles in clinical settings, working as drug workers, substance misuse nurse specialists, psychologists, addiction psychiatrists and managers of addiction services. Our graduates have also taken policy positions in national and international organisations, while others have undertaken further academic research and gone on to complete a PhD or a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Testimonials

Bola Ola

The course allows comparison of approaches across countries in a way that facilitates the development of best practices among students for their own career and location. I have taken from the programme confidence, and professionalism in addiction. I had the opportunity to plan my study time around the rest of my day. I was able to study and work when I was at my peak energy. It was easier for me to concentrate because I had no distraction by other students and classroom activity. I strongly recommend this course. For people thinking about doing the IPAS, I will tell them they are embarking on a great journey. And the product of this excursion is evidence-based enlightenment. This is because the expedition is with a network of internationally recognized clinicians, researchers and clinical teachers who have commitment to excellence in prevention and treatment in addiction, and who have dedication to supporting and strengthening national and international ventures in addiction

Dr Juliet Bressan

The best thing about the course is the excellent tuition, the quality of materials and the support and stewardship which is provided by the university. I have learned so much more than I could have imagined, and by the end of the two years of studying the IPAS I really felt confident, knowledgeable and skilled in my field. The course helped me to improve my research skills and I have published four different papers in medical and scientific journals, using the work I produced during the course. I have also presented papers and posters at international research meetings. This has made a big difference to my career and CV, and I really feel that doing the IPAS has given me a huge advantage going forward

Learn about the International Programme in Addiction Studies

In the heart of London

International Programme in Addiction Studies is a distance learning online programme jointly delivered by top three research institutions in addictions: King’s College London; Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Adelaide. Listen to renowned programme directors to get an insight on how this programme focuses on addictions policy, programme development and evaluation.

The International Scholars in Addiction Studies (ISAS) scholarship programme, which offers half-tuition scholarships, has been available to IPAS students over the last seven years. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, although geographic distribution is also considered. As the scholarship only covers part of tuition fees, qualifying students are required to pay any outstanding tuition charges, and must indicate their understanding of this responsibility upon acceptance of the scholarship. Information about the availability of scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year will be posted in February 2016.